So we spent years (literally) looking for a preschool we would love for our first child. With every new school we explored, I was getting more and more disappointed. It seemed like we were asking too much to find a clean, warm inviting space where the children could be safe and learn in a nurturing environment.We had almost given up when we finally stumbled on TLC. Thankfully! We fell in love with it on the very first visit. It was exactly what we were looking for and more. The care and love Miss Ann-Marie, Miss Helen and Miss Patty have for the children are palpable. The activities that they plan for the kids are really innovative and fun - like the annual Art Show, the Friendship Feasts, the Storybook Costume Parades, etc.Unfortunately we found TLC too late for my first son to take full advantage of it. However, my second is in his second year there now and well be enrolling our third child soon, even though weve now moved 20 minutes away. Its worth the drive. Were so happy to have found this place. Thanks Miss Ann-Marie!

TLC is head and shoulders above all of the preschools I have researched. My son who has some unique quirks and behavioral challenges has attended TLC for two years now and has truly blossomed. He started his preschool journey at a different school which we chose initially over TLC only because of the hours. Although the other preschool was highly rated and fit our schedule better, as it turned out, it did not fit our quirky son. We were 3 weeks into preschool and I was panicking. Ann Marie fortuitously called me during this time as there was an opening at TLC. That phone call changed our lives. The teachers at TLC are truly amazing from the enriching and fun environment they provide to the compassion, patience, kindness, respect and love they show all of the children. They celebrate my son’s uniqueness, and have exceeded my expectations with dealing with some of his challenges. They turn challenging social situations into opportunities for everyone to learn and I love their learning through play approach. My son is thriving in the environment that these professional, dedicated women have created at TLC. Ann Marie will tell you during orientation that she, Patty and Helen will love your child in your stead and I will confirm that they most certainly will. We will miss our TLC family next year as our oldest heads to kindergarten but look forward to returning again with his little brother who is already so excited to attend that he has coined the phrase “When I’m 3, I go to TLC!”

My son currently attends TLC, and we cannot be happier. We really like the nice environment in the school, we love to be greeted every morning with a smile by lovely teachers. After seeing too many preschools in the area, I really value a place that is neat and organized, where my son is treated with respect, love and dignity. I definitely recommend this preschool.

Our youngest daughter attended the preschool this past year and will return again in the fall. The school and the teachers are head and shoulders above any other program we used in the past. Their learn through play philosophy establishes an environment that the children thrive in and want to interact in. They truly love and care about each child that attends and they come to really know the kids. I can not say enough good things about this program. I highly recommend this school!

You cannot go wrong with TLC!!! I am SUPER picky about where my daughter spends her time - I researched countless preschools before TLC and attended 4 open houses. TLC has the best vibe, by far, and caring teachers who genuinely know who my child is from the rest of the group. They actually greeted all the kids by name on the first day! (I cant even accomplish that in my own family half the time). Safety is never a concern, they require slip-resistant slippers for indoor use and cold weather gear for outdoor play - if you can provide that, your kidll be set.*****************************************************************************************************************************************Ms. Ann Marie is consistent in keeping up with the curriculum but flexible enough so you dont feel stressed or pressured to do a project that same night. Example: each week they do a letter of the week, so the kids bring in items from home that start with that letter. If you miss a week every now and then, no biggie. They also start the school year off by giving you an All About Me poster to complete at home, but no deadline on when to turn it back into the school - it was December before ours was done, and that was fine. SO much less pressure than some of the other schools Ive seen!*****************************************************************************************************************************************Plenty of extras for the kids (librarian visit, costume parade, etc) but not so much to overwhelm anyone, and all of its optional. A Yahoo group with auto-emails to keep you updated on important dates and Ms. Ann Marie is always happy to answer questions.*****************************************************************************************************************************************Truly the best preschool around!

After a year at another preschool we were not thrilled with and researching countless area preschools, we were so excited to discover The Learning Cottage. My son has been at the school for almost a year now, and we could not be happier. From the minute you enter the school, it is clear that this is a positive and warm environment. The teachers are engaged, focused on the children, and make every moment into a learning opportunity even though the curriculum is play-based. My son loves coming to school, and I have been impressed at every turn. Every other family Ive spoken to is just as happy, and many have sent multiple siblings to TLC. The Learning Cottage is a high-quality preschool at a fraction of the price of other preschools of the same caliber. I really cant recommend it highly enough.

The Learning Cottage is an amazing preschool. We werent satisfied with the first preschool that we selected and switched to TLC a month or so into the school year. We couldnt be happier with our decision. The teachers are amazing and our son receives the positive attention that he needs in a nurturing atmosphere. There are cheaper preschools, and more expensive preschools, but I dont think you will find a better preschool than TLC.

We absolutely LOVE the Learning Cottage. The name TLC says it all - tender loving care is exactly what the teachers provide. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a preschool in the Columbia area. I was nervous when looking for a preschool since this would be the first time my son would be attending any type of preschool - as he had never done any daycare or even babysitting before. All 3 teachers are truly wonderful - so nurturing and caring, they make the children feel comfortable and support each ones unique needs based on their age and developmental stages. They do a lot of fun activities and lots of learning through play! We have truly enjoyed our time at TLC and will be sad to go!

TLC is the best pre-school ever. The teachers are phenomenal, my son loved it there. There are no hidden fees and you dont even have snack duty, it is great! Cant say enough wonderful things about the school and staff.